Behind The Scenes of The Penguin: Marie Botha on Portraying DC’s Magpie and Her Future in Matt Reeves’ Universe

When it comes to the world of superheroes, few universes are as captivating and darkly intricate as that of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. While the iconic Batman has faced a legion of villains over the years, the new HBO series The Penguin dives deeper into the criminal underworld of Gotham, offering a fresh, gritty perspective on fan-favourite foes. One such villain, Magpie, portrayed by the talented Marie Botha, made a brief but impactful appearance in The Penguin episode 4. Botha recently opened up about her journey into the DC Universe, her thoughts on Magpie, and the potential for her character’s return.

Exploring The Penguin Episode 4: The Arrival of Magpie

The Penguin episode 4 shifts its focus primarily to Sofia Falcone, also known as “The Hangman,” and the episode’s exploration of her time in Arkham Asylum is as chilling as it is engrossing. However, it’s the debut of Magpie that steals the spotlight momentarily. Botha’s character, Magpie, meets a shocking end in her first appearance, but despite her brief screen time, the character leaves a significant impression.

The episode takes viewers back in time to explore the twisted history of Sofia Falcone and how she earned her infamous title. As we watch Sofia’s spiral into darkness, we also witness the introduction of Magpie, a villain from the DC Comics canon who has a fascination with all things shiny and valuable. Magpie’s time in Arkham is short-lived, as she becomes one of Sofia’s victims by the end of the episode, but her presence adds a layer of unpredictability to the already intense dynamics at play.

Marie Botha’s Journey to Becoming Magpie

When interviewed Marie Botha about her role in The Penguin, she spoke candidly about her deep dive into the character of Magpie, a lesser-known but intriguing villain in the DC Universe. Botha revealed that her love for comic book superheroes didn’t start until she landed the role of Magpie, stating, “Growing up, my superheroes were more the fantastical characters from The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.” However, her connection to The Batman universe goes way back, especially Tim Burton’s and Christopher Nolan’s iconic interpretations.

After receiving the role, Botha immediately began researching Magpie, immersing herself in the character’s comic book lore. She described her excitement in discovering this new world, adding that she proudly displays her newfound comic book collection on her coffee table. Botha’s portrayal of Magpie required an understanding of the character’s obsession with shiny objects and her deep-rooted emotional trauma, which shaped her performance.

The Audition Process: A Detective Story

Interestingly, Botha’s journey to becoming Magpie was filled with intrigue. When she first received the audition, the details were vague, and character names had been changed, leaving her to play detective. Using her knowledge of the Batman universe, Botha deduced that her character was a villain likely set in Arkham Asylum. Her sleuthing paid off, and after a callback with director Helen Shaver and casting, Botha secured the role, even adjusting to time zone differences to make it happen.

Botha’s dedication to the character was evident. She mentioned how her stage combat training from Yale helped her prepare for the physically demanding role, ensuring she could perform many of her stunts alongside her stunt double. Filming the intense scenes where Magpie meets her demise was challenging but rewarding for Botha, who described it as a “badass” experience, especially when the blood effects came into play.

Crafting Magpie: Inspirations and Approach

When it came to creating her version of Magpie, Botha drew inspiration from a variety of sources. She combined elements from comic book villains like Bellatrix Lestrange and Arthur Fleck’s Joker, as well as characters from films centered on psychiatric institutions like Girl, Interrupted. Botha worked hard to give Magpie a unique voice, one that could unsettle both the characters and the audience.

She also incorporated a high-pitched, childlike quality to Magpie’s voice, inspired by Shirley Henderson’s portrayal of Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter. This vocal choice was designed to make Sofia Falcone uncomfortable, intensifying the power dynamic between the two characters.

Magpie’s yearning for Sofia, who embodied everything Magpie desired wealth, fame, and polished perfection was a crucial element of Botha’s performance. Her portrayal of Magpie as a desperate and emotionally tortured character left a lasting impression, even as her character met an unfortunate end.

The Possibility of Magpie’s Return

Although Magpie’s fate seems sealed in The Penguin episode 4, Botha isn’t ready to say goodbye to the character just yet. In the interview, she mentioned that, while Magpie appears to be dead, the nature of comic book universes leaves room for anything to happen. In the comics, Magpie is resurrected during Blackest Night, opening up the possibility for a future return.

Botha also expressed a desire to explore Magpie’s backstory in more depth, particularly the emotional and psychological trauma that led her down the path of villainy. She is particularly interested in uncovering the origins of the scar on Magpie’s cheek and the character’s relationship with her stepmother, both of which remain a mystery.

The Intricacies of Arkham Asylum

Botha’s experience filming in the Arkham Asylum sets was both eerie and exhilarating. The detailed recreation of Arkham, as seen in The Batman, helped Botha fully embody the character of Magpie. The claustrophobic nature of the set, combined with the lack of any shiny objects for Magpie to obsess over, added to the authenticity of her performance.

The mess hall scenes, filmed on location in a church with towering ceilings, gave Botha a sense of smallness and vulnerability that she channelled into her portrayal of Magpie. The setting played a significant role in immersing the actors in the dark and oppressive world of Arkham Asylum.

What’s Next for Marie Botha?

With her role as Magpie wrapped, Botha is already moving on to new projects. She recently completed an independent film alongside Mickey Sumner and Josh Hamilton and is also developing her own television project, where she will serve as the writer and creator. As for her potential return to the DC Universe, only time will tell if Magpie will rise from the dead and continue her journey as one of Gotham’s most tragic and complex villains.

FAQ

What is Magpie’s role in The Penguin episode 4? Magpie, played by Marié Botha, debuts in episode 4 of The Penguin. She is an Arkham Asylum inmate with an obsession for shiny things. Unfortunately, her time is cut short when she becomes a victim of Sofia Falcone.

Is Magpie dead after The Penguin episode 4? While it seems that Sofia killed Magpie, Botha hinted that anything is possible in the DC Universe. In the comics, Magpie is resurrected, leaving the door open for a potential return.

Who inspired Marie Botha’s portrayal of Magpie? Botha drew inspiration from characters like Bellatrix Lestrange, Arthur Fleck’s Joker, and Shirley Henderson’s Moaning Myrtle, combining these elements to create a unique and unsettling version of Magpie.

Will Magpie return to The Penguin or The Batman universe? Although nothing is confirmed, Botha expressed a desire to explore Magpie’s backstory and the possibility of her return, citing her character’s resurrection in the comics as a potential avenue for future storylines.

What’s next for Marie Botha after The Penguin? Botha has completed work on an independent film and is currently developing her own television project, where she will take on the role of writer and creator.